Classic Champion For contemporary motorcycle enthusiasts, it is definitely not so familiar with the NSU brand, or simply called NSU. This German automotive manufacturer has formally name NSU 'Motorenwerke AG,' that produces cars, motorbikes and bicycles. This company has existed in the automotive industry since 1873 ago.
Before being taken over by the Volkswagen Group in 1969 (later combined with the Auto Union which is now known as Audi), NSU was noted to have launched a number of motorcycle products that were quite popular in its time. The manufacturer itself began making motorcycles in 1901, followed by car production four years later.
Of the many motorcycle products that have been born by NSU, one of the models that will not be timeless is the NSU Max model. This motorbike was first built in 1951. Until the end of production in 1956, NSU recorded successfully producing Max models of 96,373 units. Sufficient evidence shows how the best-selling motorcycle at this time.
Like the old motorbike in the 1950s, the NSU Max carries a very unique and very retro design. This motorbike comes with a round headlamp, a medium-sized fuel tank, a separate seat model with a "swinging" front seat, bamboo exhaust, and artificial front and rear suspension which both apply the concept of outside hydro shock absorber.
While for the drivetrain, the German company equipped the motorbike with an air/oil cooled 4-stroke OHC, single cylinder engine, with a capacity of 247cc. With this engine, the NSU Max is said to be capable of spitting out power of 11 kW at 6,500 rpm and a top speed of 126 km per hour. With exceptional performance, this motorbike even won the MotoGP event in 1955 when it was ridden by Paul Herman Muller.
Because it includes an old vintage motorcycle, it's no surprise that the NSU Max product is now offered at a high enough price. How much the price of this vintage motorcycle? Today its value around US. $3,850 or approx Rp.54 millions. Pretty much expensive motorcycle, isn't it?
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops......*** [EKA [25112019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Hiawatha Run As we all know, the 1930s and 1940s were times when the world was hit by a severe economic recession. So that this difficult condition also had an impact on the people's ability to buy four-wheeled vehicles at that time. Well, who would have thought, in such conditions there was then a scooter called the Doodle Bug which was first launch in the 1940s as an alternative to affordable vehicles for the public in America at that time. Related to its unique name, it is likely taken from a small insect called a doodlebug.
The Doodle Bug Scooter developed by the Beam Manufacturing Company in Webster City, Iowa to be sold by the Gambles department store chain in the late of the 1940s. (Picture from: Silodrome)
As quoted of the Silodrome, initially the scooter was intended for a kind of vehicle market for teenagers and those too young to ride a motorcycle on the road. Thus this Doodle Bug, Cushman, the Crocker Scootabout scooters, etc were born in America.
However, this condition suddenly changed after World War II, where there was a significant surge in demand for motorcycles. Thus the Italian scooters born that we know today, such as the Vespa and Lambretta which is said were inspired by the American scooter designs.
The Doodle Bug Scooter has a simple tubular steel frame and a Briggs & Stratton NP engine. (Picture from: Silodrome)
At that time, people needed a simple and economical mode of transportation. And the simple scooter such the Doodle Bug could be the right answer to fulfill the market demand. Its cheap price tag and easy to ride were the positive reasons why the scooter was selling well at that time. Beside that there's one weakness, just don't expect the scooter could be run at a high speed.
The Doodle Bug Scooter has a thickly padded seat in lieu of suspension and a small rear-mounted fuel tank.. (Picture from: Silodrome)
How could be? Because this Beam Manufacturing Company developed scooter is powered by a very simple 4-stroke, side valve, single cylinder engine of the Briggs & Stratton NP capable spewing power 1.5 hp only. During the Doodle Bug production, turn out the company also used the Clinton engine beside the Briggs & Stratton NP ones. But mostly the NP engine was fitted to the overwhelming majority of Doodle Bugs, and it’s also the easiest to find parts for given its popularity.
The Doodle Bug Scooter could be made 100% road legal using aftermarket kits to add the required headlight and taillight. (Picture from: Pinterest)
The scooter was developed by the engineers of the Webster City based company with a simple tubular steel frame structure with the engine mounted behind under the seat. The rider's feet rest on a flat steel platform which is the scooter typical style, the fuel tank is rear mounted behind the seat above the rear tire. That is it! Even the scooter is not equipped with suspension or lights. Only two pneumatic tires to be a kind of suspension between the rider and the road. However, lighting (headlight and taillight) is an optional feature that can be installed on the Doodle Bug, if wanted to be road-legal vehicle.
During its production period from 1946 to 1948, the factory produced more than 40,000 Doodle Bugs, most of which were sold as “Hiawatha Doodle Bugs” by Gambles. Back in the day, Doodle Bugs sold for less than $100. Today, they are the focus of the Doodle Bug Club of America and a unique collector’s item. This American scooters have a huge fans across the United States, and there is still an annual gathering for owners and restorers in Webster City (where all Doodle Bug scooters are made).
Kept
spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive
with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does
the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | ID.MOTOR1 ]
Sempre Una Vespa We are sure most of you must have seen the Piaggio MP3 passing by on the streets in your place. But has it ever think by us how the Italian scooter manufacturer first developed it? Well, on this occasion we will show to You the figure of several three-wheeled vehicles that were ever develop and launch in the 1980s which is most likely the forerunner of the Piaggio MP3.
The Trautwein Doppelfront Prototype built on Piaggio Vespa PX 200 E-Lusso by Dr. Wolfgang Trautwein.(Picture from: MedienWerkStatt)
You would be remembered that long before the Piaggio MP3 was born, the Italian scooter manufacturer had also produced simple three-wheeled vehicles such as the Piaggio Ape. Of course, in terms of appearance and technology, the classic three-wheeled vehicle is far behind when compared to the MP3.
Then you will ask whether previously there were three-wheeled vehicles that had technology similar to the Piaggio MP3, of course the answers were many, such as the Italjet Scooop without forgetting the Renault Ublò concept or Autostudi A-Trix and many others.
The Trautwein Doppelfront Prototype built on Piaggio Vespa PX 200 E-Lusso while on the road testing.(Picture from: SoyMotero.net)
Well, when we talk about the Piaggio MP3, of course we will discuss exclusively about tilting three wheeler vehicles, not vehicles like the classic Piaggio Ape, sidecars (there are also tilted) or ordinary tricycles. So it can simply be said that what we will be discussed is more focus on three-wheeled vehicles with two wheels positioned in front (such later adopted by the Piaggio MP3), because it is considered more rational, stable and effective than the one which has two wheels at rear.
The Trautwein Doppelfront Prototype built on Piaggio Vespa PK 125 by Dr. Wolfgang Trautwein. (Picture from: 2StrokeBuzz)
It's hard to say who actually first developed a three-wheeled vehicle like this. However, the history of the tilting three wheeler vehicle can be said to have started with a such vehicle developed in 1946 by Ernst Neumann called the Neander N2. As can be seen from the old image circulating in internet, the Neumann-developed three-wheeled vehicle is a three-wheeled racing car that looks has double spring that tip with driver's weight, so it can tilt while speeding on the curves.
The Trautwein Doppelfront Prototype built on Piaggio Vespa PK 125 while on the road testing. (Picture from: BikeIt.gr)
Dr. Wolfgang Trautwein (Picture from: Maxmatic.com)
And the forerunner of the MP3 which was specifically developed by the Italian manufacturer stems from the Trautwein Doppelfront tilting three-wheeled prototype which was originally developed by an engineer, inventor from Meersburg at the Bodensee, Germany named Dr. Wolfgang Trautwein in the 1980s.
Initially, the concept started from the implemented vehicle by a simple and effective dual-wheel in front, where its modular steering system so that it can be combined with different vehicles, it is even said to have been installed on the Honda CX500C and is combined with the Silver Wing fairing model (not a scooter as it is today).
The first tilting three-wheeler developed in 1946 by Ernst Neumann called the Neander N2 racing car that looks has double spring that tip with driver's weight, so it can tilt while speeding on the curves. (Picture from: Cybermotorcycle)
Dr. Trautwein suggested the concept using the Vespa-scooter platform, exactly three decades after the first motorcycle was equipped with a double-front chassis. In mid-1984 Dr. Trautwein received two original Vespa scooters (Vespa PX 200 E-Lusso and Vespa PK 125) from the Genoa-based scooter manufacturer to build a prototype of the tilting three-wheeler vehicle which later could be considered to be the forerunner of the MP3 today.
The Trautwein Doppelfront Prototype built on Honda CX 500 by Dr. Wolfgang Trautwein. (Picture from: Wikimedia)
Under the hoods, the Vespa tricycles hide the newest variant of the Trautwein developed front axle for motorcycles, known as the parallelogram axle. Thus, the scooter effectively avoids wheel-flutter. The suspension is arranged so that the wheels do not only turn when rolling, but also tilt. The floorboards of the Vespa are firmly connected to the lower parallelogram, and follow its movements. This changed style of driving comes relatively easily to the rider.
The Trautwein Doppelfront Prototype built on Honda CX 500 while on the road testing. (Picture from: Epilog.de)
And according to Dr. Trautwein, the chassis offers many safety advantages, ie decreased hazard of front end slip on wet pavement, rails, etc. The vehicle provided more safer braking, better handling when it cornering. Furthermore it provided more space for a trunk over the front axle. Besides, the comfort is quite convincing.
The Aprilia Los Angeles three-wheeler concept is shown as a prototype of the Intelligent Mobility Lab. Motorizzato Piaggio Master 500 at the 2000 Bologna Motorshow. (Picture from: ApriliaForum)
The concept of a tilting three-wheeled vehicle is continuously being developed by Piaggio and at the 2000 Bologna Motorshow, another well-known Italian brand, Aprilia launched the Los Angeles is a prototype of the Intelligent Mobility Lab. Motorizzato Piaggio Master 500, refined and evolved and already has the electro-hydraulic block to do without the stand. There is no mention of production, but of accessories, ABS, GPS and a covered version with a reclining roof. Unfortunately, it will remain a prototype, even in this case it is the lack of economic liquidity that takes away the possibility of driving it on the roads, but now the way is marked.
The Piaggio MP3 500 HPE Sport Advanced known as the world's first tilting three-wheeled vehicle featured with reverse gear. (Picture from: GridOto)
Finally the first model of Piaggio MP3 was launched in 2006 and marketed globally by this Italian manufacturer which then occupies the highest niche in its production line to this day. The Piaggio MP3 is known as the world's first tilting three-wheeled motorcycle which is equipped with various mainstay features so that it is claimed to be more safer to ride. And today Piaggio MP3 comes in many variants under several powertrain options ie 250cc, 300cc, 400cc and 500cc. 🇮🇹
It's GONE Scooters are a new, affordable mode of transportation that quickly gained popularity shortly after the end of World War II. Almost all of mainland Europe and even the world feel the vibration of this scooter trend.
The Neroba Roller attained prototype stage only, and never been produced due to expensive production cost plus the absence of investors who were support the financing. (Picture from: Hannsklemm)
Wilhelm Neuscheler posed along with his Neroba Rollerscooter. (Picture from: Hannsklemm)
When Vespa and Lambretta dominate scooters markets in Europe back in then 1950s to 1960s. So dominant, that two Italian brands are considered to be the legends almost without any competitors. Then what about in Germany?
Apparently this scooter trend is also felt and has attracted the interest of entrepreneurs in those country to produce scooters, which tried to fills a niche that exists in between those two Italian scooter brands, especially for the fulfillment of the domestic scooter market.
The overall design of the Neroba Roller is similar to another classic German scooters at the time. (Picture from: Scooters of Germany Group)
Well, we saw a picture of this scooter that we have never seen before which posted on the Facebook page of the Scooters of Germany Group by Mr. Marco Bohème. We are sure many of you must have never seen this one German scooter. Based on the information we got from the Facebook pages, the scooter was named Neroba Roller whose prototype was designed and built by Wilhelm Neuscheler, an aeronautical engineer in the 1950s.
The Neroba Roller was designed with such a nice backbone construction made of cast aluminum to support the body. (Picture from: Hannsklemm)
According to Mr. Marco Bohème, initially he got this unique scooter information from the old magazine Klassik Motorrad Nr.6 edition of November-December, 2010. Too bad we don't have and get the mentioned old magazine physically, so in the case we only got less information about the Wilhelm Neuschler made scooter virtually through the Facebook's pages and the Hannsklemm sites.
As quoted of Hannsklemm, the Neroba Roller prototype was developed by Wilhelm Neuscheler, when he and his family moved to Rommelsbach shortly after the end of World War II in late 1949 or early 1950. Later to commercialize his designed scooter, he also founded a company named Neroba (short of Neuscheler Rommelsbach).
There's no information regarding the drivetrain of the Neroba Roller scooter, but it looks like the Neroba Roller is powered by a 150cc or 175cc 2-stroke engine. (Picture from: Hannsklemm)
Furthermore, the Neroba Roller is designed with such a nice backbone construction made of cast aluminum to support the body. While viewed of the front, it looks rounded similar to the bullet with a single large headlight. Too bad we also didn't find any information regarding the drivetrain of this scooter, but it looks like the Neroba Roller is powered by a 150cc or 175cc 2-stroke engine.
Uniquely, the German-made scooter has a trunk above the front wheels and some said make it to be hardly to ride. In our opinion it's unlikely, as you can see from the pictures the Neroba Roller's front body is separate from the scooter controller construction. What do you think?
Unfortunately there are none left today, and seems that all of the Neroba Roller scooters are lost with the passage of time. (Picture from: Hannsklemm)
Due to the high production costs, worsened by the absence of investors who were support the financing, at the end this scooter made by Neuscheler never entered the production line. And as written on an article on of the Automarkt trade journal of February, 1954 issue stated that there're only 10 units of the Neroba Roller scooters ready for sale at the time. Unfortunately there are none left today, and seems that all of those Neuscheler-made scooters are lost with the passage of time.😭
And if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to this marque, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below the article.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCOOTERS OF GERMANY GROUP | HANNSKLEMM ]
War Machine The World War II that occurred from 1939 to 1945 cannot be denied anymore that's one of the darkest parts in the history of mankind that has drained a lot of blood and tears. But on the other hand, it seemed during the war period, as if it became a stage for each other to show off the superiority of technology applied to various supporting equipments for their soldiers on the battlefield, including motorized vehicles.
The Indian 841 in its original military trim was produced by Indian Motorcycle during 1942 to 1943 for the US Army. (Picture from: Silodrome)
For example, when the BMW R71 motorcycles used by the Axis alliance-forces especially the Nazi German army, proved to be very tough and reliable in supporting the mobility of its troops on various mission operations in the desert so it was not surprising that in early 1941, the German's R71 was touted as ruler of the desert and overpowered the vehicles used by the Allied Forces.
The Indian 841 after sold and owned by civilian with yellow-white patterns all over the body, and some leather ornaments decorated with tassels on the edges far out of the military props feels. (Picture from: Silodrome)
How come? Because its twin boxer engines stays cool even the motorcycle used in hot weather thanks to the exposed head, while the drive shaft is never dirty with sand so that the R71 can run smoothly in the desert.
Of course this worried their opponent, especially the United States. Even though at the beginning of 1941, the United States had not directly involved in World War II, they had supplied various war equipment for the Allied Forces. In short, then the US Army gave the challenges to several major American motorcycle makers such Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle to develop a motorcycle that could match the enemy's mainstay R71.
The Indian 841 used a simple girder fork for the front suspension and there were plungers on the back. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Shortly after that, HD introduced the Harley-Davidson XA model in 1942 although in appearance similar to its predecessor Harley-Davidson WLA model, the engine was the same as the BMW R71, which both used a twin boxer engine complete with axle drive.
However, Indian Motorcycle takes a different and more unique approach. They designed a new 90-degree V-twin engine, using the same head as the Scout model. The compression ratio is reduced to 5.1 to 1 so it can run on lower quality fuels.
The Indian 841 is featured with unusual longitudinal V-twin has its head out in the airflow for better cooling. (Picture from: Silodrome)
The Indian Motorcycle made engine was sat not longitudinally within the frame of the motorcycle, but in a transverse configuration, like the Moto Guzzi or Honda CX500, allowing the cylinders to protrude in the open, so it getting the same cooling benefits as the BMW R71, and also makes shaft drive easy to implement because the crankshaft is already rotating in the correct orientation.
As a result, this motorcycle then given the name of Indian 841, the name that for some people called was less special for a motorcycle made by Indian Motorcycle. Then the US Army commissioned the motor maker to produce 1,000 units of this motorcycle during 1942 to 1943 and tested it extensively along with the Harley-Davidson XA.
The
Indian is powered by a 737 cc 90º V-twin air-cooled engine with the
power was just 25 bhp and it was fed back through a four-speed gearbox
to the shaft drive. (Picture from: Silodrome)
Although in the end, the US Army did not adopt both motorcycle models as their official military vehicle. It could be said that the top brass of the American military at that time is like a man is amazed to the enemy's grass yard seen greener than in their own yard. Although in the end, they choose the typical HD WLA production motorcycle of efficiency and financial factors. And the remaining unused Indian 841 units were sold to civilian consumers.
Since the beginning it was developed by Indian Motorcycle which was not developed for general use (although in the end it had to be). Because they really wanted a pretty cool ride like this Indian 841 to be used by Captain America to hit the German Nazi soldiers and could be said that it's a unique two-wheeled vehicle prototype of the US military for special mission in the desert.
The
Indian 841 has a weight of 528 lbs (240 kgs) when ready to ride, and as
such it did suffer a little from insufficient power though this could
be largely remedied by increasing the compression ratio. (Picture from: Silodrome)
It could be a stark contrast to the Indian 841 motorcycle unit is featured in this article and also auctioned at Mecum at the end of April, 2021. As you can see, this unique motorbike looks very flamboyant, with yellow-white patterns all over the body, and some leather ornaments decorated with tassels on the edges far out of the military props feels. How did it happen?
Because after being sold to civilians, usually the new owners then repainted with various colors and decorated their motorbikes with various accessories, like other Indian motorcycles at that time. That's roughly how this former US Army vehicle gets a distinctive appearance. So no wonder if you probably won't be able to guess if you just look at the appearance.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and
stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and
so does the cops...... ***[EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ID.MOTOR1 | MECUM | SILODROME ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Tough Scooters The need for a reliable vehicle is very supportive of the smooth running of a military operation in a war situation. For this reason, in several wars that have occurred in the world, it is known that many manufacturers have supplied two-wheeled vehicles, especially motorcycles which were developed specifically for military purposes.
During WWII the Cushman Motor Works built aroud 495 units of this Cushman Model 32 with sidecars for US armed forces. (Picture from: Fagenfighterswwiimuseum)
It turned out that among many two-wheeled vehicles had been involved in wars, there were also special scooters that had tasks for military logistics, personnel transportation up to special forces rides. For example, during the World War II, the American military deployed hundreds up to thousands of the Cushman scooters in Europe to support the Allies troops operations there.
The military version of Cushman scooters is built based of the Auto Glide (in pictured the 1934 Cushman Auto Glide Model 34). (Picture from: Mecum)
All of these tough scooters are made by the Cushman Motor Works, a Nebraska-based manufacturing company. The Nebraska-based manufacturer company was in the business of making engines for industrial and farm use. Initially, the company grew slowly until WWII, up to they decided that could be sold more engines they made by producing a scooter named Cushman Auto Glide around 1934. At
that time, the Cushman-made scooter was fairly economical with the
consumption of 1 gallon of fuel and it could cover a distance of up to
75 miles.
During WWII the Cushman Motor Works built aroud 4,700 units of this Cushman Model 39 three-wheeler for US armed forces. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Once upon a time Cushman Motor Works then got the US military contract for developing the military version scooters that can be deployed and moved fast into battlefield. To fullfil the contract, during WWII they made three models of scooters based of the Auto Glide, ie the Cushman Model 32, Cushman Model 39 three-wheeler and Cushman Model 53 Airborne. They were issued models with 7-inch, 8-inch or 9-inch tires, and came with minimal lighting and brackets to save on materials.
This Cushman Model 39 three-wheeler proved useful on air and naval bases as a general purpose utility cart to tow anything ranging of a jeep, truck even an aircraft. (Picture from: Blog.streetsideauto.com)
All of the models successfully attract the US' Department of Defense due to its excellent agility and capability on the battlefield, more over the Model 53 is powered by a little one-cylinder 4 hp engine, which was good for run up to speed of 40 mph, and the wide tires were designed to run and survive in Europe’s muddy dirt roads.
1943 Cushman Model 53 Airborne scooter was able to parachuted out of aircraft and also featured with wide tires were designed to run and survive in Europe’s muddy dirt roads. (Picture from: Motorbikesearchengine)
The scooter also known as with the Cushman Airborne due to it was able to parachuted out of aircraft. It's known that the American troops had used the Cushman Model 53 Airborne to get around German defense tactics of destroying roads and bridges in the Dolomites (a section of the Alps) and the Austrian border areas.
1943 Cushman Model 53 Airborne scooter is powered by a little one-cylinder 4 hp engine, which was good for 40 mph. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
In the late stages of the war in Europe, Allied paratroopers used scooters like this one to maintain contact between units, increase their mobility and haul small loads. An extraordinary ability shown by this scooter on the European battlefield.
Blue print of the Lambretta 125M (A) known as the first Innocenti-made scooter based of the Cushman Airborne Model 53. (Picture from: IdnTimes)
And shortly after the war was over, the Cushman Model 53 made as the inspiration sources for Corradino D'Ascanio in creating initial scooter design for Innocenti but failed to have a certain deal and then gave it to Piaggio. The inspired scooter design of the Model 53 later produced by those Italian company duo became the most popular scooters in the world until now.💃
And
if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or
if you have additional information related to this marque, please don't
hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.
Kept
spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive
with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does
the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BLOG.STREETSIDEAUTO.COM | FAGENFIGHTERSWWIIMUSEUM.ORG ]
Two Swedish-made rarities It is undeniable that the popularity of scooters in its heyday back in the 1950s up to 1960s were spread evenly throughout the world. So it is not surprising that the success story of the Italian scooter manufacturer duo, Innocenti and Piaggio has greatly inspired the motorcycle business people in the world including in Sweden to participate in developing scooters in that country.
The
Apollo Biet (red-colored) has a height differs (seem to be low) than
the Svalan moped (blue-colored) and the front shield shapes as well. (Picture from: Scuderiavespasvedese)
On previous occasions, we have also discussed one of the classic scooters from a Swedish manufacturer such as the Monark Monarscoot which was started in 1957 as a moped that uses 14" spokes wheels, pedals like a bicycle and is powered by a German-made ILO engine.
But this is not the only Swedish manufacturer that has ever produced scooters, allegedly there are many others. Well, on this occasion we again found the other two unique Swedish-made scooters with the brands of Apollo and Svalan.
Biet signifies "bee" or perhaps "ape" and should be averted the "wasp" due to inferiority as the failed products. (Picture from: Scuderiavespasvedese)
The story of the two scooters from Sweden is related to each other and begins when the machinery manufacturer John Benson (JB) produced a 128 cc 2-stroke engine specifically for small motorbikes back in 1949, but at that time motorcycle manufacturers in that country were preffered the DKW and Husqvarna engines. As a result, many machines produced by JB were not sold and piled up in the warehouse.
The first ever Svalan signifies "Swallow" scooter at a scooter-premiere back in May 2009. (Picture from: Scuderiavespasvedese)
As an effort to market all of these machines, John Benson (JB) the machine maker then persuaded the Svalan and Apollo factories to make scooters/mopeds using his machines. In short, then the two manufacturers agreed to produce the two-wheeled vehicle in 1953 with a pretty good design done by a Swedish industrial designer.
As quoted of Historien om Apollo, this scooter or more precisely the Apollo moped was made by a Värnamo-based manufacturer namedM. Berlin & Co AB. The company founded by Sven Mauritz Berlin back in the 1934. Uniquely, this Swedish manufacturer's production are varies ranging from bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds, lawn mowers up to boat outboard engines, all of which carry the Apollo brand.
The Apollo Biet (red-colored) has a height differs (seem to be low) than the Svalan moped (blue-colored) and the front shield as well. (Picture from: Scuderiavespasvedese)
As for the Apollo Biet or Apollo 77 Biet moped were made in 1954, it having a scooter style in general with a front-shield, and unique double headlights, but used 14" sized spokes wheels. As quoted of the same source above, reportedly the Apollo Biet moped were produced as much as 42 units only, and is powered by the John Benson (JB) 2-stroke 128 cc engine.
Meanwhile another scooter or moped, namely the Svalan moped (which means Swallow) was also produced in 1954 by the Falun-based manufacturer named John Ericsson Maskinaktiebolag AB. in collaboration with the Apollo Biet moped maker.
1954 Apollo Biet scooter/moped has a trade mark of double headlights, but one should be yellow. (Picture from: Scuderiavespasvedese)
Therefore, it is not surprising that the Svalan moped also uses the same engine, namely the JB 2-stroke 128 cc engine which is capable of producing around 4.5 hp of power and is combined with a 2-speed manual transmission system. At that time it was reported that between 100 and 150 units of this Svalan moped were produced.
Since both of these Swedish scooters or mopeds use the same engine, so the problems that arise are the same. From the start, this JB-made engine was intended for an open motorcycle, not an enclosed scooter. So the engine cooling problem became a big crutial problem for the two Swedish mopeds.
The round holes for ventilation on the 1954 Svalan scooter body are actually done at the factory for its extra engine cooling. (Picture from: Scuderiavespasvedese)
They tried to outsmart such problem by making the cooling holes onto the body, that's seem not perfectly working. As a result, the engine seized after run some kilometers due to overheat. This is further exacerbated by the dimensions of the fork tube for the rear wheels which are too small, so that road dirt easily enters the carburetor along with the rotation of the rear wheels.
So it's only natural, if these scooters/mopeds were not in demand at that time and could be said as the failed products. But now, these scooters/mopeds are scarce, and it's known that the number of survivors of the Apollo Biet was only 6-8 units while the Svalan mopeds maybe 20-25 units.
And
if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or
if you have additional information related to this marque, please don't
hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.
Kept
spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay
alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so
does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VESPAWORLDS | SCUDERIAVESPAVEDESE | CLASSICMOTOR.SE | HISTORIEN OM APOLLO ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Because it includes an old vintage motorcycle, it's no surprise that the NSU Max product is now offered at a high enough price. How much the price of this vintage motorcycle? Today its value around US. $3,850 or approx Rp.54 millions. Pretty much expensive motorcycle, isn't it?
